GI Bill and what it pays

With the Post-9/11 GI Bill, eligible individuals can receive a variety of financial support for both education and housing related expenses. Unfortunately, many people who qualify do not take advantage of this bill and the many benefits that it offers.

Approved training under the Post-9/11 GI Bill includes the following: undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees, technical/vocational training, flight training, on the job training, correspondence training, and entrepreneurship training.

Are you interested in improving your education through one of these methods? If so, the GI Bill pays eligible individuals the following:

1. Full tuition and related fees for in-state public school students. Those attending a private institution qualify for $17,500 per academic year.

2. Yellow Ribbon Program. If you are attending an expensive private school or a public institution as a non-resident, this program may be able to pay the difference between the allowable amount ($17,500) and the total cost per academic year.

3. Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA). As an E-5 with dependents, you can receive $684/month for the 2012 academic school year. Are you enrolled in a distance learning program? In this case, your monthly allowance is half of the average.

4. Supplies and book stipend. This benefit is for $1,000, based on your enrollment type (full-time, part-time, etc.).

With up to 36 months of education benefits, students can get the education they deserve without having to overpay. This is one of the biggest education-based benefits of serving in the US Military.

Note: benefits are generally payable for up to 15 years after leaving active duty. To qualify, an honorable discharge is required.

As you can see, the GI Bill is more than benefits to be used for tuition and related fees. It also helps with miscellaneous expenses, ranging from housing to supplies.

With the help of the GI Bill, thousands upon thousands of ex-military members are able to receive an education that will help them transition into civilian life.